Georgia’s immigration policies have changed. What you & your neighbors should know
Following directives from President Donald Trump regarding immigration, Georgia has made some changes to its policies involving the reach of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
To further enforce the federal immigration laws under the 287(g) program, Governor Brian Kemp announced a plan for ICE to train 1,100 sworn officers (including Georgia State Patrol and Capitol Police). This significantly broadens law enforcement’s part in detaining undocumented individuals, particularly those with criminal records.
Georgia Senate Bill 21 removes legal protections for cities/counties that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. If local governments adopt sanctuary policies (e.g., schools/agencies refusing ICE detainer requests), they can now face lawsuits.
The federal government announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans under the 2023 designation, affecting 33,227 Georgians, according to Pew Research statistics.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia (ACLU), everyone, regardless of their citizenship status, has the right to remain silent when questioned by immigration agents, including ICE.
You do not have to provide information about your immigration status or that of others.
Know your basic rights:
- You have the right to remain silent
- Immigrants in Georgia have the right to remain silent when questioned by law enforcement or immigration officials.
- This right is a fundamental protection under the U.S. Constitution that applies to everyone, including undocumented immigrants.
You have the right to legal representation
In Georgia, an immigrant’s right to legal counsel is limited and differs from the right to counsel in criminal cases.
Here are the key points
You have no guaranteed right to government-appointed counsel.
You have the right to hire private counsel.
The American Immigration Council advises that there are free or low-cost alternatives available:
Legal Orientation Program (LOP): This program offers legal education and referrals for free or low-cost legal counsel to immigrants in detention.
The National Qualified Representative Program (NQRP) provides counsel to detained immigrants with serious mental disorders.
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) offers some legal services to certain populations.
You have the right to humane treatment
The U.S. Constitution guarantees fundamental rights and civil liberties to every person in the United States, regardless of immigration status. This includes the right to due process and protection from discrimination.
This means you have:
The right to challenge detention: Immigrants can contest their detention and potential deportation before an immigration judge.
The right to apply for immigration benefits: Detained immigrants can apply for asylum or Temporary Protected Status.
There are also ways you can help protect your neighbor or loved one:
As a U.S. citizen and resident of Georgia, there are several ways you can help protect and preserve Constitutionally afforded rights.
Volunteer
Offering your time and skills can be a valuable way to offer support and assistance.
Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN): GAIN offers opportunities to volunteer on legal cases, at legal clinics, or as translators and interpreters.
Inspiritus: Inspiritus provides various volunteer roles, including mentoring, after-school programs, donation drives and long-term support.
If you have legal, medical or language skills, consider offering pro bono services, as well, to immigrant-serving organizations.
Join advocacy efforts
Many organizations can get you involved in support and advocacy.
CASA Georgia: CASA focuses on lobbying legislators, recruiting activists and providing training.
International Rescue Committee (IRC): The IRC offers various volunteer opportunities and activities for marginalized groups.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta: AAAJ protects the civil rights of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI), Arab and Middle Eastern people.
Refugee Women’s Network (RWN): RWN is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting refugee and immigrant families.
Call your representatives
Find out who represents you and reach out to them to examine unfair or unethical legislation and to support policy initiatives.
Organize friends and family to contact their officials as well.
The state of Georgia’s website: Aids in the search for your representative, whether it’s locally or statewide.
The Georgia My Voter Page (MVP): To log in, you’ll need to provide your name, county of residence and date of birth.
The website for the U.S. Congress can assist you in finding your members.
Donate
If you are unable to provide any other means of support, contribute financially. Find organizations working to protect immigrants’ rights and provide essential services to refugee and immigrant communities.
Catholic Charities Atlanta: They offer immigration legal services to clients who cannot otherwise afford legal assistance. Their services include family-based petitions, DACA renewals and assistance for victims of violence and human trafficking.
Kids In Need of Defense (KIND): This organization specifically represents minors and unaccompanied children in immigration cases.
Family and Immigration Rights Center (FIRC): FIRC provides no-cost representation to unaccompanied children in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama.
Educate yourself
Although it may feel overwhelming to stay plugged into the news, staying informed about current immigration laws and policies can be vital to the current situation. Share fact-checked, vetted information to combat misinformation and be mindful of what you share on social media.
Email me your ideas or suggestions at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on Instagram.
This story was originally published April 3, 2025 at 11:37 AM with the headline "Georgia’s immigration policies have changed. What you & your neighbors should know."
